Cape Town libraries ready to keep kids entertained with activities this winter school holiday

The City’s libraries and recreation facilities are ready to keep learners busy and active this winter school holiday with hundreds of programmes.

The annual winter school holiday programme, offered by the City’s Library Information Services and Recreation and Parks Departments, is set to provide participants with a variety of activities.

"This holiday is often not seen as fun, because it tends to be cold and wet. Our departments have it covered, and many of the programmes are indoors. In addition, there are hundreds of activities guaranteed to chase the winter blues away."

- Councillor Francine Higham, Community Services and Health - City of Cape Town

The City’s libraries are gearing up to deliver an exciting lineup of engaging, imaginative holiday adventures that will keep learners inspired.

Alongside beloved favourites such as cosy indoor board-game corners, spirited chess tournaments and colourful arts and crafts stations, this year’s programme unlocks brand new experiences. Young creators can sketch their first anime characters with guidance from local illustrators, build simple games while mastering the basics of coding, step inside a pop-up mini laboratory hosted by the Mobile Science Centre for eye-catching experiments and join lively awareness talks that weave storytelling with real-world lessons.

The Recreation and Parks Department has hundreds of programmes running at facilities across the City, with the main aim of keeping children physically and mentally active during the holidays. In addition to various sports, gaming tournaments, dance challenges and board games, many of the activities also help participants build valuable life and social skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership and problem-solving — all in a fun and engaging environment.

"The programmes also provide a safe space for children to participate in social activities and enhance their cultural awareness. It is more than just keeping children busy, and our staff put a lot of time and effort into the holiday calendar. I want to encourage parents and guardians to send their children, as it’s an opportunity to help them continue learning in a fun way."

- Councillor Francine Higham, Community Services and Health - City of Cape Town

Each facility runs its own set of activities, so not all programmes are available in one place.

To find out what’s happening in your area, visit your nearest library or recreation centre, or please go to www.capetown.gov.za/holidayprogrammes.